Activist Sonam Wangchuk ended his 26-day fast after receiving written assurances from the Centre on student-related demands. The government has announced fast-track courts for paper leak cases, while protests continue demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
New Delhi: Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk has ended his 26-day hunger strike at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar after the Central Government provided written assurances on key demands linked to the ongoing student protests over the alleged NEET paper leak issue. However, protest organisers have made it clear that their agitation will continue until Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigns.
Leh Apex Body co-convenor Cherring Dorjay Lakruk announced late Thursday that Wangchuk broke his fast in the presence of two Union Ministers after receiving written commitments from the government. According to the organisers, the Centre assured that criminal cases against students involved in the protests would be withdrawn, provided they were not involved in violence.
The government also reportedly agreed to consider providing compensation to the families of NEET aspirants who allegedly died by suicide following the examination controversy.
PM Modi Announces Tough Measures Against Paper Leaks
The development came hours after Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation on the paper leak issue through social media, describing examination leaks as a serious injustice to millions of students and their families.
The Prime Minister said the government had taken swift action over the past two-and-a-half months, leading to the arrest of those allegedly involved in the paper leak network. He also announced the establishment of fast-track courts to ensure speedy trials and strict punishment for those responsible.
Delhi High Court Sets Up Special Fast-Track Court
In another major development, the Delhi High Court designated Judge Anu Grover Baliga as the Special Judge to preside over fast-track court proceedings related to paper leak cases and the use of unfair means in public examinations. The move is expected to accelerate the legal process in high-profile examination fraud cases.
Talks Between Government and Protesters Scheduled
Government sources have confirmed that a delegation from the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) is expected to meet Union Ministers on July 24 to discuss the ongoing protests and student demands. The meeting is reportedly scheduled for 12:30 PM, though the venue has not yet been disclosed. The CJP has not officially commented on the proposed dialogue.
Protest to Continue
Despite Wangchuk ending his fast, protest leaders have reiterated that demonstrations at Jantar Mantar will continue until their primary demand—the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan—is met. Student groups and Opposition parties have also continued to press for greater accountability and reforms to strengthen the integrity of India’s examination system.
The paper leak controversy remains one of the biggest political and education issues during the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament, with both the government and the Opposition intensifying their campaigns over the matter.
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